Peptide Glossary

Key terms and definitions used in peptide research and science. Use this glossary to better understand the technical language in our content.

30 terms

A

Amino Acid: The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids used in biological systems.
Anabolic: Relating to the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, typically involving tissue building.
Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels. Important for tissue repair and healing.

B

Bioavailability: The proportion of a substance that enters circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect.

C

Catabolic: Relating to the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, typically releasing energy.
Cytokine: Small proteins important in cell signaling, particularly in immune and inflammatory responses.

E

Endocrine: Relating to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Endogenous: Originating from within the organism. Endogenous peptides are naturally produced by the body.
Exogenous: Originating from outside the organism. Exogenous peptides are introduced from external sources.

G

Growth Factor: Naturally occurring substances capable of stimulating cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

H

Half-Life: The time required for the concentration of a substance to reduce to half its initial value.
Homeostasis: The tendency of biological systems to maintain stable internal conditions.

I

In Vitro: Studies conducted outside of living organisms, typically in laboratory conditions (e.g., in test tubes or cell cultures).
In Vivo: Studies conducted within living organisms.

L

Ligand: A molecule that binds to a receptor to produce a biological response.
Lyophilization: Freeze-drying process used to preserve peptides by removing water content.

M

Mechanism of Action: The specific biochemical interaction through which a substance produces its effect.

N

Neuropeptide: Peptides found in neural tissue that act as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators.

P

Peptide Bond: The covalent chemical bond linking amino acids together in a peptide chain.
Pharmacodynamics: The study of how drugs affect the body, including mechanisms of action and effects.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how the body affects drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Preclinical: Research stage before human clinical trials, typically involving laboratory and animal studies.

R

Receptor: A protein on the cell surface or inside cells that binds to specific molecules (ligands) to trigger a response.
Reconstitution: The process of adding liquid (typically bacteriostatic water) to lyophilized peptides to make them injectable.

S

Secretagogue: A substance that promotes the secretion of another substance, such as growth hormone secretagogues.
Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal into another.
Subcutaneous: Administration under the skin. Common route for peptide injections.
Synthesis: The production of peptides through chemical or biological processes.

T

Therapeutic Index: The ratio between the toxic dose and the therapeutic dose of a substance.

U

Upregulation: The increase in the number of receptors or the sensitivity of receptors to a ligand.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids used in biological systems.

Anabolic

Relating to the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, typically involving tissue building.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels. Important for tissue repair and healing.

Peptide Bond

The covalent chemical bond linking amino acids together in a peptide chain.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of how drugs affect the body, including mechanisms of action and effects.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how the body affects drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Preclinical

Research stage before human clinical trials, typically involving laboratory and animal studies.

Secretagogue

A substance that promotes the secretion of another substance, such as growth hormone secretagogues.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal into another.

Subcutaneous

Administration under the skin. Common route for peptide injections.

Synthesis

The production of peptides through chemical or biological processes.